Color interchangeable side panels mounting plugs

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus in which a consumer, without technical skill or special tools can quickly and easily change or add a color to the computer case of their personal computer. Because of the large number of available color panels, it is necessary to provide an aftermarket kit in which the consumer can customize the computer case. Advantageously, this permits the consumer to have a computer in green, blue, red, violet, etc. Also, advantageously, the consumer merely needs to remove a plurality of hole plugs and then install the color panels using supplied attachment feet or mounting plugs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer cases, andmore particularly, to computer cases having colored plastic sectionscovering a large portion of the exterior surfaces of the computer case.Even more particularly, the present invention relates to easilyremovable color side panels for a computer case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Until recently, almost all home personal computers had beigecases. The same was true for computer monitors. However, more recently,personal computers including the computer cases and computer monitorshave become fashion accessories for the home and office. It is desirableto customize the appearance, and especially, the exterior color of thepersonal computer. Instead of beige, personal computers and monitors nowoften have green, red, blue and violet cases. Other bright colors arealso being used. Because of the large number of colors being used andbecause the computer case is standardized, it would be difficult for acomputer manufacturer to predict which color a consumer might want touse to customize their computer. Thus, a need exists for a method andapparatus in which a consumer can easily add or change the color of thecomputer case.

[0003] Further, a need exists for an easy method and simplifiedapparatus for covering a large portion of the computer case, and morespecifically, the side panels of the computer case. It is desirable tocover up as much as the computer case as possible to create a “clean”appearance. A need exists in the art for a method and apparatus to coverportions of the computer case to create this “clean” appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provideside panels and fasteners which permit a customer to change theappearance of their personal computer to their own personal style.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a kitusable by a consumer for changing the color of the computer case.

[0006] Still another object of the present invention is to provide amethod and apparatus in which a consumer can add or change the color ofthe computer case with little risk of damaging the color panels.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus in which a consumer can add or change the color of thepersonal computer case.

[0008] The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus inwhich a consumer, without technical skill or special tools can quicklyand easily change or add a color to the computer case of their personalcomputer. Because of the large number of available color panels, it isnecessary to provide an aftermarket kit in which the consumer cancustomize the computer case. Advantageously, this permits the consumerto have a computer case in green, blue, red, violet, etc. Also,advantageously, the consumer merely needs to remove a plurality of holeplugs and then install the color panels using supplied attachment feetor mounting plugs.

[0009] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a kit including a pair of cover panels for attachment toopposite side panels of a computer case. Each of the cover panels has aplurality of holes and each of the opposite side panels of the computercase has a corresponding plurality of holes. A plurality of elastomericfeet are insertable through one of the holes in the cover panel andthrough the corresponding hole in the computer case for retaining eachof the pair of cover panels on the opposite side panels of the computercase.

[0010] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention areprovided by a method of installing a color panel on a computer case. Thecolor panel has a plurality of holes. The computer case has at least onepanel. One panel has a plurality of holes corresponding in location tothe plurality of holes in the color panel, including inserting aplurality of elastomeric feet each through one of the holes in the colorpanel and through the corresponding hole in the one panel to secure thecolor panel on the computer case.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention areprovided by a computer case including opposite side panels having aplurality of holes. The computer case has a pair of cover panels forattachment to the opposite side panels. The computer case has aplurality of elastomeric feet each insertable through one of the holesin the cover panel and through the corresponding hole in the computercase for retaining the pair of cover panels on the opposite side panelsof the computer case.

[0012] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, wherein the preferred embodiments of the inventionare shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best modecontemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its severaldetails are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, allwithout departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddescription thereof are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, andnot as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and notby limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, whereinelements having the same reference numeral designations represent likeelements throughout and wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer case including feet forattaching the color panel to the side panel of the computer case;

[0015]FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a color panel according to thepresent invention;

[0016]FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2B-2B in FIG.2A;

[0017]FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the side cover panel of FIG. 2Awith certain reinforcement ribs on the interior surface of the coverpanel illustrated;

[0018]FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a side panel without vents;

[0019]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the side panel of FIG. 3A;

[0020]FIG. 4A is a top plan view of an alternative side panel withvents;

[0021]FIG. 4B and 4C are side elevation views of the side panel of FIG.4A;

[0022]FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the side panel of FIG. 4A;

[0023]FIG. 5A is a front side elevational view of an attachment footaccording to the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 5B is a left side elevational view of the attachment foot ofFIG. 5A;

[0025]FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the attachment foot of FIG. 5A; and

[0026]FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the attachment foot of FIG. 5A.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] Refer now to FIG. 1 where a tower case 20 for a personal desktopcomputer is depicted. The computer case 20 includes a central portion40, a right side panel 30 and a left side panel 32 (not shown). Themajority of the computer case 20 is formed of a beige painted metalcabinet as is standard for most personal desktop computers. The centralportion 40 includes a plastic molded part 42 which covers a majority ofthe central portion 40 typical beige painted case 20. The plasticportion 42 is manufactured from a colored plastic and is adapted toaccessorize the personal computer case 20. Typically, the plasticportion is molded in a single color, for example, violet. However, manyconsumers may want green or red necessitating the removal of the violetplastic portion 42. To accomplish this, the central portion 42 includesfront and top pieces which pop off. Hooks are used to attach the frontand top pieces which is not relevant to the present invention.

[0028] In order to cover additional exterior surfaces of the personalcomputer, according to the present invention, a pair of plastic moldedcover panels can be attached to the metal side panels 30, 32 of thecomputer case 20. The side panels 50, 60 would preferably be the samecolor as the central portion 42.

[0029] As shipped from the factory, the computer case 20 will includefour small rubber feet 52 on each side panel 30, 32. If the customerchooses to purchase a color upgrade kit, the customer can change thelook of their PC to match their own personal style. As previouslymentioned, the central portion 42 could be removed and for the sidepanels 50, 60, the customer would remove the feet 52, add the new colorplates 50, 60, over the existing side panels 30, 32 and attach the fourfeet 52 to each side panel 30, 32. Advantageously, using the presentinvention, no special tools are needed. The installation is verystraight forward and easy for a customer in the field to perform. Also,advantageously the consumer can easily change the color and appearanceof the computer case without special tools and with little risk ofdamaging the color panels.

[0030] Several side panel configurations are required depending on theconstruction of the particular side panel 30, 32. For example, in FIGS.2A-2C and 3A-3B, two cover panels are depicted which are identicalexcept that the FIG. 2A cover panel has a vent located in a lowercentral portion thereof. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the side panelwould be used to cover the left side cover 32 and the FIGS. 3A and 3Bcover panel would be used to cover the right side panel 30. As depictedin FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 3A-3B, the exterior periphery of the coverpanel is non-symmetrical relative to a horizontal center line but issymmetrical with respect to a vertical center line. Preferably, theinterior surfaces of the cover panels 50, 60 conform closely to theexterior surface of the side panels 30, 32. As depicted in FIGS. 2A and3A, there is a flat central portion 62. Four through holes 64 arelocated at the corners of the flat central portion 62. As depicted inFIG. 2A, a vent 66 is located in a lower central portion of the flatcentral area 62. The vent 66 would conform in size to a vent formed inside panel 32 (not shown). It may be preferable, for efficiencypurposes, to use the same side panel 60 for both the right and left sidecolor panels. This would eliminate the possibility of having theconsumer install the left side panel on the right cover panel and blockthe vent in the side panel 30. It would also reduce the number and typesof parts required for this customer upgrade. If a consumer purchases acolor upgrade kit then the upgrade kit would include identical sidepanels 60 not unique to each side. When the color panels 60 areassembled there will be venting holes 66 on both sides, even though onlythe left side vents are functional.

[0031] Extending from the central portion of 60 is a central curvedportion 70, a left curved portion 72, a right curved portion 74 and abottom curved portion 76. Connecting the top curved portion 70 and theright curved portion 74 is a right upper corner curved portion 78.Connecting the right curved portion 74 and the bottom curved portion 76is a lower right corner portion 80. Connecting the left curved portion72 and the bottom curved portion 76 is a left corner curved portion 82.Connecting the top curved portion 70 and the left curved portion 72 is aleft upper corner curved portion 84. Curved portion 72 and 74 aresymmetrical with respect to one another. Lower curved portion 76 doesnot extend outwardly from center curved portion 62 as does the rest ofthe curved portions. As previously mentioned, preferably the curvedportions 70-84 conform closely to the shape of the side panels 30, 32.The exterior surface of the side panels 30, 32 are flat and the curvedportions are all internal to the side panels 30, 32.

[0032]FIG. 4A-4D depicts an alternative version of the side panel. Inthis version, the side curve portions which extend from the central flatportion 62 are symmetric with respect to both the vertical andhorizontal centerlines.

[0033] Refer now to FIGS. 5A-5D where a rubber foot 100 according to thepresent invention is depicted. In FIG. 5A, the rubber foot 100 includesa button portion 102 and the retention portion, generally indicated at104. The button portion 102 has a rounded outer surface 106 and a flatinner surface 108. Extending downwardly from surface 108 are two legs110 which each have angled surfaces 112 to facilitate insertion of theportion 104 through cover plates 50, 60 and through side panels 30, 32,respectively. A pair of shoulder surfaces 114 engage inner surfaces ofthe side panels 30, 32, respectively, when the rubber foot 100 isinserted through the panels. In operation, the legs 110 will deflectinwardly, that is, towards each other when surfaces 112 engage holes 64and holes in the side panels. Once the surfaces 112 have cleared theholes 64, shoulder 114 will engage the inner surfaces of the side panels30, 32. The distance between surface 108 and 114 is sufficient toreliably hold the cover panels 50, 60 in secure contact with the sidepanels 30, 32, respectively.

[0034] It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe present invention fulfills all of the objects set forth above. Afterreading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be ableto affect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and variousother aspects of the invention as broadly disclosed herein. It istherefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only bythe definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit, comprising: a pair of cover panels forattachment to opposite side panels of a computer case, each of saidcover panels having a plurality of holes and each of the opposite sidepanels of the computer case having a corresponding plurality of holes;and a plurality of elastomeric feet each insertable through one of saidholes in said cover panel and through the corresponding hole in thecomputer case for retaining each of said pair of cover panels on theopposite side panels of the computer case.
 2. The kit of claim 1,wherein each said cover panels is made of a plastic material.
 3. The kitof claim 1, wherein the holes of the opposite side panels is coveredwith hole plugs.
 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of the pair ofcover panels has an interior surface corresponding in shape to anexterior surface of each said side panels.
 5. The kit of claim 1,wherein each of the cover panels has a vent section corresponding inlocation to a vent in one of the side panels.
 6. The kit of claim 1,wherein each of said feet has a cover portion and a pair of legsextending from said cover portion and a shoulder portion at a distal endof said legs such that when said legs are inserted into said cover panelhole and the side panel hole, said legs flex inwardly and said shoulderportions are brought into engagement with an interior surface of theside panel.
 7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the opposite side panels arepainted or molded in a variety of different colored resins.
 8. A methodof installing a color panel on a computer case, the color panel having aplurality of holes, the computer case having at least one panel, the atleast one panel having a plurality of holes corresponding in location tothe plurality of holes in the color panel, comprising: inserting aplurality of elastomeric feet each through one of the holes in the colorpanel and through the corresponding hole in the at least one panel tosecure the color panel on the computer case.
 9. The method of claim 8,comprising removing hole plugs from the plurality of holes in the atleast one panel.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein each of said feethas a cover portion and a pair of legs extending from said cover portionand a shoulder portion at a distal end of said legs such that when saidlegs are inserted into said cover panel hole and the side panel hole,said legs flex inwardly and said shoulder portions are brought intoengagement with an interior surface of the side panel.
 11. A computercase, comprising: opposite side panels each having a plurality of holes;a pair of cover panels for attachment to said opposite side panels; aplurality of elastomeric feet each insertable through one of said holesin said cover panel and through the corresponding hole in the computercase for retaining each of said pair of cover panels on the oppositeside panels of the computer case.
 12. The computer case of claim 11,wherein each said cover panels is made of a plastic material.
 13. Thecomputer case of claim 11, wherein the holes of the opposite side panelsare covered with hole plugs.
 14. The computer case of claim 11, whereineach of the pair of cover panels has an interior surface correspondingin shape to an exterior surface of each said side panels.
 15. Thecomputer case of claim 11, wherein each of the cover panels has a ventsection corresponding in location to a vent in one of the side panels.16. The computer case of claim 11, wherein each of said feet has a coverportion and a pair of legs extending from said cover portion and ashoulder portion at a distal end of said legs such that when said legsare inserted into said cover panel hole and the side panel hole, saidlegs flex inwardly and said shoulder portions are brought intoengagement with an interior surface of the side panel.
 17. The computercase of claim 11, wherein the opposite side panels are painted.